Unruly Studio

253 Portobello Road
Ladbroke Grove, London
W11 1LR
Tel: 020 7727 7444

A full range of hair and beauty treatments from a creative team who have honed their skills as stylists and make-up artists in the TV and fashion industries. Unruly offers head-to-toe grooming and fashion advice, stress-busting shiatsu chairs and complimentary drinks.

Mon-Sat: 10am-10pm

Unruly Studio London
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Unruly Studio Salon London
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Unruly Studio Hair Salon London
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Unruly Studio Salon London
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Unruly Studio Salon London
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Reception at Unruly Studio in London
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Waiting Area at Unruly Studio
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Reception and products at Unruly Studio
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Unruly Studio reviews

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Just returned from my first haircut with Michael and would highly recommend. Wow - I love my new curly cut! I had a half head of highlights with Charlotte and a cut with Michael and am a happy customer. I had to wait a few weeks for an appointment with Michael, but well worth it.

Useful review?
 by Curlylou, 03 Mar 2010
I just had my second visit to Unruly. I won't be going back. Based on all these reviews, it seems like the best ever place to get your curly hair cut. But Michael, for whom there is always a long wait, is a truly arrogant individual. He never dries my hair dry and in the cold weather it's not fun to walk out with wet hair. He tells me very matter-of-factly that that's the way he does it - no attention to whether I want to leave the salon like that. He cut my hair way too short (perhaps he is only good at cutting curly hair short).

I liked my previously long, curly hair. I know my hair will grow back, and when it does I will put up with the not-so-great cut from Mowgli Primrose Hill. They may not truly understand curly hair but they are at least courteous, professional and treat you like a human being.

Despite handing over £55 for a style I told Michael in the chair I wasn't happy with (I looked like Jackie 3003), he insisted I "look good like that". But surely, I don't like it, that is what matters. The receptionist just took my money and didn't even bother to give me my coat till I had to ask for it, then acted really put out.

I'd probably be okay with this place if I was in my very early 20s and thought they were cool. But it really is not worth the time nor the money.

Useful review?
 by hinapublish, 17 Feb 2010
I went to this hairdresser recently, with high hopes having read the reviews below. In all honesty, I was not bowled over by the service or my cut.

The salon appears to be hidden away and doesn't really feel like the clean and quirky salon I saw in the pics. Plus, seeing all the clients in the salon put me off straight away - I saw poodles everywhere... curls that look like they should be left in the '80s!

Anyway, the stylist I had (couldn't get Michael - apparently there is a two/three week waiting list) was initially friendly at first; however when it came to washing and combing my hair, she did it in the most ruthless manner... and NO massaging took place! Disappointed I was. The cut itself wasn't great either. I haven't noticed an improvement in the shape of my hair. The curls did look bouncier and were revived; however, it was more poodle-esque, which really isn't a modern style. Me thinks I will have to get another haircut in the next few months (another long process of finding an ideal salon!). Personally, I think for a 50 quid cut, it is SO not worth it!

Useful review?
 by Sammy89, 09 Feb 2010
Absolutely the BEST haircut I have ever had. Michael Price truly understands how to cut, dry and finish curly hair. Am delighted with the result - even after styling it myself it still looks great. A transformative cut. Would recommend this salon to all, especially anyone with curly locks.

Useful review?
 by Charlottestanford, 02 Feb 2010
This is by far the best haircut I've ever had. Having such curly hair, I had never had a haircut that I loved nor had I ever left a salon satisfied with their styling. I would always go home and shower afterwards so I could style it myself. But after having my hair cut by Michael Price, I felt like someone FINALLY understood my hair.

Not only did he tell me what haircut I need (layers, for those with curly hair), he convinced me by drawing me pictures of what my hair would be like otherwise. After cutting my hair, he showed me how to use a diffuser correctly (something I needed to learn, since I had always used it the wrong way).

I recommend Unruly Studio - and especially Michael Price - to anyone who truly wants a GOOD haircut, especially those with curly hair.

Useful review?
 by eman.alameel, 23 Jan 2010
I booked based on positive reviews as I was after someone to transform my curls. I'm really pleased with the cut, which is the only decent short cut I've ever had. They definitely know how to cut curly hair. However, I thought the drying process was unnecessarily elaborate - lots of lying down, bending over etc, which I wouldn't have minded if my curls had been spectacular and glossy at the end but unfortunately my hair ended up quite crunchy albeit very curly (I think maybe too much product was added). It was a lot better when I washed it next day.

Overall I was pleased and would go back there to get a good cut, which is the most important thing. They're friendly enough(my stylist was Anthony), though you might find it useful to go in with some idea of what you want - he did not seem impressed that I did not have any definite ideas of what I wanted. The salon itself is underground and really cool but make sure you allow a lot of time for walking up Portobello Road on market day!

Useful review? 1
 by amina1, 05 Oct 2009
I've just returned back home (Bristol), with my mum after a lovely day in London. If you've got curly hair, slightly curly hair, a mixture of all types, or you just want your hair cut, I can't recommend this place enough. Diran cut my hair and Claudio my mum's. We've both had such trouble getting a good cut for such a long time that I too searched for a 'specialist curly hairdresser'. I did search locally, but Unruly Studio's name kept popping up. Anything is worth a go, I thought.

Well, trust me, it really is. I've never left a salon with my hair looking so tame, not looking like a 2-piece, little fuss made over it, and best of all, little product used. And I can't even begin to describe the torture my mum appears to have been put through all these years! If you've ever heard the comment "Oh, it does spring up", or you're advised to use copious amounts of styling products to tame the mess that's been cut into your hair, then please consider a day trip to London. The guys are really nice and can really do what they say they can do, which is the most important thing.

Useful review? 1
 by Jamilla1, 06 Sep 2009
Having struggled my whole life to control my hair, make it look like a style and 'fight the frizz', in desperation I went to Google and typed in "curly hairdresser, London". That's how I found this site and thought, well with all the good reviews on here it's worth a try! I have to tell you, this is the best place by a clear mile!

I saw Michael and he totally knew what he was doing. As soon as I left, I phoned my boyfriend and said: "You have never seen my hair look this good!" As well as a good cut, my hair had so much body and I also got a load of tips for looking after it. I will definitely be going back as much as my bank balance allows.

Useful review?
 by joleigh, 20 Aug 2009
Don't be suckered into believing the reviews. I specifically asked for my auburn hair not to be coloured too dark as it would not suit my skin tone, and it came out nearly black! It was awful and took a visit to Jo Hansford's Mayfair salon to correct it. Michael was the man who did this bad deed and when I expressed my concern I was told, "It's great, you'll get used to it"... Well Michael, I didn't. It was awful and I didn't appreciate the fact I was ignored whilst you had a little chat with a star of children's TV whilst drying my hair (don't get too excited, just a presenter who I had hardly heard of, but clearly Michael was star-struck).

Useful review?
 by jackie3003, 30 Jul 2009
I think I was a little unlucky on the day I went, as they'd had a flood and everything was slightly chaotic. The general aura was not welcoming or friendly, more bored and unhelpful, but I am used to that in London. Charlotte did my highlights and she did do a good job, though she didn't even check it afterwards, which I thought was slightly strange!

I then had my curly frizzy thick hair cut by Antony and to date this is the first time I have EVER felt someone understood curly hair! Normally I get a trim and a blast with the hairdryer and, surprise surprise, out come the ghd's. I used to pay loads for this and could have probably done it at home!

I was very impressed with the cut (which is saying a lot because my experience didn't start well!), and the fact that he showed me how to style it at home. Apparently 'scrunching' is bad and product should be applied gently to soaking hair, which should then be diffused lying down! My curls were defined, glossy and bouncy which is DEFINITELY worth the £50.

The main complaint I would have is that I didn't receive a head massage from the girl who washed my hair. Don't expect a friendly or welcoming attitude (I think most of the hair stylists work with celebs so are a bit up themselves) but do expect a good cut and colour and some potentially life-changing DIY tips.

Useful review? 1
 by untamed, 17 Jul 2009
About a month ago I found Unruly Studios and I am never turning back! I had several miscommunications in a row with my previous colourist at another salon and I finally 'had it' and took things into my own hands. What a mess my beautiful tresses were until I visited for a colour correction.

I saw Christopher one afternoon and not only did he find good things to say about my hair and its colour (which to me was a too-over-the-top-for-my-personality shocking orange colour), but he listened and reassured me that we’d come out the other end of this. He was sensitive to the fact that I had been through the mill with someone else and went out of his way to ensure I felt understood. I went in the next morning to have the work done, having uploaded a dozen photos to my Facebook page for him to see and get an idea of what I liked and didn’t like, and he was so patient with me.

I have NEVER come out of a salon having EXACTLY what I wanted, and I got EXACTLY what I wanted. I went in with a hat on and embarrassed and left with my head high. I am returning this weekend to get my first cut at Unruly Studios and I am so looking forward to it...

UPDATE: Went in to see Micahel for a cut. It was unreal, such a positive experience!! He was friendly and fast and gave a head massage that left me speechless (which is hard to do!). He explained how to recreate what he did with my hair at home: how to dry it, what to not do - and this is the first time I have been given advice to follow that has given me nearly the same result as when I walk out of a salon. I am absolutely thrilled.

Useful review? 1
 by tracy.l.hannigan, 13 Jul 2009
I went to Unruly last week after searching for a hairdresser who could do something good with my curls. There were so many good reviews on this site that I thought I'd give it a go. Claudio did my hair and it was fab. I am so, so happy with the cut - best I've ever had by a very long way, and so easy to work with, I literally just wash it, use one product, and leave it (same as Alby, below).

The whole experience was fantastic. I don't normally enjoy visits to the hairdressers much - I never know what I want done exactly, get nervous, and dread making awkward small talk... I was also a bit nervous going to Unruly because it seems so trendy and I really thought I'd stand out as an unkempt uni student with miles of split ends. But it was really nice. Claudio is lovely - I completely trusted him with my hair (it was really long for many, many years and I had a whole load cut off) and he did a fantastic job.

I think I've found my hairdresser for life and will definitely be going back! I'd definitely recommend this place, especially if you have curly hair and don't know what to do with it (none of my previous hairdressers knew what to do with it either!). I'm delighted with the haircut, and had a great time.

Useful review?
 by JessD, 11 Jul 2009
I have super-curly, thick hair. After my previous wonderful hairdresser moved to Spain, I was left heartbroken. I then had a string of bad hairdresser relationships and ended up getting a friend to cut my hair or do it myself, thinking no-one would ever know what to do with it again.

I found Unruly Studio after Googling 'curly hairdressers in London' and saw all the fab reviews. The studio is great - I was made to feel welcome and comfortable and it has a friendly and buzzy vibe. I made an appointment with Claudio, who took the time to listen when I told him all about my hairache... but I still left it up to him to fix. He did an amazing job - it's so manageable and wearable (literally wash and go) and exactly what I wanted. Have had loads of comments from friends already about how good it's looking. Will definitely go back, and highly recommend to any other curly girlies!

Useful review? 1
 by curly soph, 07 Jul 2009
I've been 'everywhere' to try and find a stylist who a) understood curly hair and b) gave me a style I could do myself at home without needing nine arms, complicated 'techniques' and 25 products. All I got was either the poodle look or straightening blow-dries, and I often paid ££££ in Mayfair for the privilege.

Then, last week (and based on a good dozen recommendations on Twitter), I went to see Anthony. Seriously: life changing. I wash my hair, use ONE product, leave it alone, and lo. Best cut I've ever had. Don't quite understand how my hair now looks shiny, bouncy, with the curls separated and un-frizzy, but there you go - miracle-worker. Couldn't recommend more highly.

Useful review? 1
 by Alby (2 reviews), 15 Jun 2009
Michael cut my hair some five weeks ago, and I think I've found my curly hair god... He's the nuts.

Useful review?
 by jane tennant, 29 Apr 2009
Michael cut my hair recently and my life has changed. Everyone comments on how great my hair looks - even straight-haired people admire the cut!

Just be warned that the blow drying experience is unusual as you end up lying flat on your back. The end result was a full body of hair that looked too frizzy for my taste. I'm mixed race and my hair needs a lot of moisturising. When I got home I re-styled it with my own hair products and I'm so happy with the look. Finally!

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 by mazcurl, 02 Mar 2009
A friend suggested Heather for my wedding hair and make-up and I was so pleased with what she created that I must pass the recommendation on. When she came to do my hair and make-up in December she was professional, friendly and incredibly helpful - calming my nerves and making me look gorgeous as an end result. She made me look just the way I had imagined for my perfect day. I have nothing but praise for her.

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 by stylo, 16 Feb 2009
My boyfriend paid for my hair style for valentines day.

Claudio did my hair, I wanted about 8ins chopped off so was a big change, but im very happy with it. Otherwise, the service was shoddy and not worth the £50. Hair wash was about 4 mins, I wasn't offered the back massage chair thing, and receptionist was very short with me. They asked if I wanted a drink, but didn't have tea/coffee etc, and the only things they had was water and cranberry juice!

Still, my hair looks great! I just wouldnt pay £50 for for the experience as was nothing like their old place, I don't know if they're trying to downgrade it all to save costs or what, but was not impressed! Luckily the hair cut was good, just not worth £50.

Useful review? 1
 by IB-Review, 15 Feb 2009
Best haircut ever! Micheal transformed the boring curly hair into something much more contemporary and easy to manage. After all these years of many hairdressing experiences, Micheal was able to give me an amazing cut and teach me simply how to create the same with NO fuss.

Will keep going back and will definitely be sending my daughter, who has masses of wild hair. Even if you do not have curly hair, the stylists do some beautiful straight haircuts.
Loved it! Very unpretentious staff too, unlike some of the so-called 'top salons'.

Useful review?
 by carlywarly100, 14 Feb 2009
Michael truly knows how to cut curly hair. He knew exactly what was wrong with my hair and gave me a new funky look which I love. He is the only hairdresser I've been to that re-wets curly hair before drying and doesn't overload it with products. Was particularly impressed that he didn't apply any serum, as I've never met a hairdresser before that knows serum and curly hair don't mix. Fab!

Useful review? 1
 by nuttyprofessor (2 reviews), 11 Feb 2009


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